Enhancing Excellence: Penn State Welcomes Two New Faculty Members to the Turfgrass Science Program

The Penn State Center for Turfgrass Science has welcomed two new faculty members, Dr. Manoj Chhetri and Dr. Chase Straw.

Dr. Chhetri is stepping in as an Assistant Teaching Professor of Turfgrass Science. He earned his Ph.D. in Horticulture from Kansas State University, researching zoysiagrass management. Before that, he completed his M.S. at Oklahoma State University, where he studied how shade and drought affect bermudagrass.

Previously, Dr. Chhetri worked at the University of Missouri as an Extension Field Specialist in Horticulture. There, he provided practical education to homeowners and turf managers, tackling challenges in the turfgrass industry.

At Penn State, Dr. Chhetri aims to teach and guide students in turfgrass management. He is also focused on researching sustainable methods to improve turfgrass resilience against environmental stresses. His goal is to connect academic knowledge with real-world practices, preparing students for future industry challenges.

Dr. Straw joins as an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Soils and will be leading the Center for Sports Surface Research. He holds a B.S. in Turfgrass Science from the University of Kentucky and furthered his studies with an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Georgia.

His resume includes two years as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Minnesota, followed by nearly five years at Texas A&M University where he excelled in Turfgrass Management and Physiology.

At Penn State, Dr. Straw divides his time between research, teaching, and extension work. His research centers on using technology to boost the performance and sustainability of golf courses and sports fields. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Sports Field Management Association as an Academic Director.